I love Oliver + S patterns and over the years have found them perfect for fashion forward makes for wee people. From grandchildren to godsons, I’ve made quite a few over the years, from Sketchbook Shirts to Playtime Tunics (which pair nicely with leggings for everyday run around clothes) – what they all have in common is wonderfully clear instructions and beautiful drafting. When I saw the lovely new Birdsong cotton prints from Dashwood Studios I knew I needed to turn to a more traditional look to find something with lovely lines to showcase the border print to its full potential ..read more

Falling in love (again) It’s happened over the years – I become completely obsessed with a new to me thang. From when I first discovered they made sea salt chocolate (Greene & Blacks, surely the finest chocolate in the world?) to when I became addicted to high thread count cotton bedding (blame a fancy schmancy New York hotel for that infatuation) – as for men? Well, that’s probably best left alone. Anyway, I have to admit, my sewing is similarly whim-led. So it is with a new pattern release. I’ve discovered that Instagram is normally my downfall – I’ll be merrily scrolling through my fee ..read more

A butterfly print Pony Tank Butterfly prints have had a pretty bad rap in the fashion media over the last few years. According to Cosmo’s list they are high on the list of things you shouldn’t wear as a grown up. Well, lovely readers, you know my unrepeatable response to that, don’t you? As a plus size sewer careering down the hill towards 50 with embarrassing speed, I think I’ve earnt the right to wear anything I darn well please. From kitties to elephants, Chinese lanterns to teapots, I never feel more at home than when sporting a conversational print. And so, may I present t ..read more

I have become something of an Instagram junkie of late … loving its happy upbeat tone, visual appeal and inspirational effect … I’m frequently distracted by the rainbow of sewing possibilities that pop up in my feed. What I love, as well, is the fact that it makes you look again at sewing patterns you may originally have dismissed as being ‘not for you’. This was definitely the case with the Springfield Top, the latest in the line of curvy patterns released by Jenny at Cashmerette. I am gonna put my hands up here. I LOVE all the Cashmerette patterns. Why? Because I am at heart a ver ..read more

*SPOILER ALERT*  I’m still alive! Okay, so we both know some people need a bit of a blogging break now and then. It’s normal right? Often this involves a week or two of not blogging just to get some balance back or concentrate on a life project …. and it’s no different for me. Except that, well, let’s not beat around the bush, my couple of weeks became a year … (and a half)! Oops. Those of you who read my last posts before my disappearing act will know that the sewjo was at an all time low. It was lots of things, over commitment, too many sewalongs, an endless processi ..read more

If any garment could pull me from a seemingly endless sewing slump it would be a Lady Skater Dress. I have made so many versions of this Kitschy Coo number that I have had to trace the pattern twice already, as my first version has fallen apart! This is my easiest “go to” pattern for a work outfit. Pick any random jersey fabric, cut it out, spend some quality time with your overlocker and 2 hours later it’s done. Ta da! It always fits perfectly, is so comfortable to wear and you can dress it up or down. I have made so many versions of this lovely patter ..read more